This from Karen Arnold of the NZ Herald
There were fears for the safety of Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith tonight as he faced a barrage of abuse from mainly irate Southland farmers at a meeting to discuss the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
More than 300 people from across Clutha and Southland packed the Gore venue, where it was obvious even before the meeting began that opposition to the scheme was strong.
Dr Smith struggled to give his 20-minute presentation as he was continually interrupted by hecklers. At one point it appeared the chairman, Invercargill MP Eric Roy, almost lost control of the meeting as he repeatedly yelled for order and had to stop one man from advancing toward Dr Smith.
A National Party insider told the NZ Herald organisers were concerned people could become violent and had considered calling the police.
Dr Smith told the crowd it was the 32nd presentation he had made during his nationwide road show but the first where he had been repeatedly interrupted.
Good on them.There is no need for farmers to accept this ETS. The scientific information (if you can call it that) given by MAF about enteric methane and its effect on the atmosphere is false. Farmers need to keep challenging it. The need for an ETS so that we can sell our products also false. The taking of money from farmers to give to foresters unfair. Making NZ framers the only farmers in the world to face a charge for these imaginary livestock emissions disgusting.
John Key and Nick Smith and in fact the entire party deserve nothing but contempt for this and they got it in Gore. A great example to the rest of the country. Well done.
If someone who was there could post a comment on what happened it would be great to read.
Meetings still to run are
Tauranga
Monday 19 July at 7.00pm
Call 07 5799016 for venue information
Timaru
Tuesday 20 July at 7:30pm
Call 03 6831386 for venue information
Tamaki
Thursday 22 July at 7.30pm
Call 09 5759842 for venue information
Dunedin
Monday 26 July at 7.30pm
Coronation Hall, Gordon Road, Mosgiel
For TV3 coveage of meeting click link below
http://www.3news.co.nz/Nick-Smith-gets-heated-response-from-farmers-over-ETS-/tabid/423/articleID/166176/Default.aspxclick here